Healthy Teaching Kitchen
Improved weight, gut health, and mood — when we feed ourselves the right foods, our body, mind, and spirit will thank us. The VA Healthy Teaching Kitchen program equips Veterans with nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, and the confidence to prepare healthy meals at home.
Learn more at Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program webpage.
Support for Stress, One Text at a Time with Annie
April is Stress Awareness Month, and Annie offers a simple way to build stress management skills over time. Register to receive texts with educational tips, motivational messages, skill-building exercises, and mindfulness techniques.
Learn more about Annie for Veterans.
Women Veteran Tele-Town Hall
Join us for our virtual Women Veteran Tele-Town Hall on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This invitation is open to all Women Veterans receiving care at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.
During the event, we will share the latest updates on Pelvic Health Services and address your questions.
The event will be streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/VATucson. Additionally, you can visit access.live/womenshealth or dial in at 833-380-0738 on Thursday, April 16, 2026 starting at 5:00 p.m.
Reach Out Stay Strong Essential (ROSE)
The ROSE (Reach Out Stay Strong Essential) is designed to equip you with skills to manage stress, enhance our communication abilities, nurture your relationships, and plan for your future, particularly after the arrival of your baby.
The program is structured as a 4-week cohort group, meeting for one hour trough VVC.
If you are interested, please contact Emily Hardin at emily.hardin2@va.gov
*Veterans must be enrolled at the Southern Arizona VA Health care System to attend.
Veteran and Family Advisory Council (VFAC)
The Veteran & Family Advisory Council (VFAC) is a formal partnership that brings
together Veterans, family members, and VA staff to improve the quality, safety, and overall experience of care. By sharing real-life perspectives, VFAC members help guide decisions and priorities that impact how care is delivered across the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.
VFAC members work collaboratively with VA staff to provide input on:
• Patient-facing materials
• Policies and procedures
• Programs and services
• Projects and initiatives
To learn more about the VFAC visit Veteran and Family Advisory Council webpage.
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a common digestive condition that affects the large intestine. IBS causes ongoing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both.
It affects about 4-5% of people in the United States and can impact adults of all ages.
Although IBS can feel uncomfortable and frustrating, it does not damage the digestive tract or shorten life expectancy. IBS is considered a “functional” gut disorder, meaning routine tests often appear normal. Researchers believe IBS symptoms may be linked to changes in gut movement, how the brain and gut communicate, the immune system, and the balance of bacteria in the gut.
IBS symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time. Some people experience symptoms only occasionally, while others have symptoms more frequently. Stress, certain foods, large meals, and changes in routine can trigger symptoms for many individuals.
Common food triggers include fatty foods, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and certain carbohydrates that are harder to digest. Unfortunately, there is no single diet that works for everyone with IBS. However, many people find relief by paying attention to how foods affect their symptoms.
Eating smaller meals, staying hydrated, and including foods with soluble fiber like oats, berries, and chia seeds may help support digestion and relieve symptoms. Some individuals benefit from limiting foods high in fermentable carbohydrates, also known as FODMAPs, with guidance from a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. However, make sure to introduce fiber slowly especially if you’re not used to eating fiber regularly.
It is important to talk with a healthcare provider if digestive symptoms are new, severe, or include unintended weight loss, or wake you up at night, as these may signal a condition other than IBS. Living with IBS can be challenging, but many people are able to manage symptoms through diet, stress management, and medical support.
IBS Awareness Month is a great time to learn more about digestive health and explore strategies that help you feel your best.
IBS-Friendly Recipe: Blueberry Oatmeal Bowl
This simple recipe includes foods with soluble fiber that many people with IBS tolerate well. It is low in FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates) when eaten in appropriate portions and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or a healthy treat.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- ½ cup dry rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
- Dash of cinnamon
Directions
- Bring water to a boil in a small pot.
- Add oats and reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in chia seeds and cinnamon.
- Top with blueberries and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken before serving.
Pima County One-Stop Community Job fair
Pima County One Stop will be hosting a Community Job Fair on Tuesday, April 7 from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kino Event Center located at 2805 E. Ajo Way. There will be up to 50 employers represented.
Come to the event dressed for success and bring your resume!
We Rise Together Against Domestic Violence
Join us for the We Rise Together Against Domestic Violence Conference on Friday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Desert Diamond Casino and Hotel Conference Center located at 7350 South Nogales Hwy. Tucson, AZ 85756.
The conference is a valuable opportunity to connect, learn and grow as a community committed to safety and empowerment. Space is limited to 100 participants. Please scan the QR Code above or the Event Bright We Rise Together Registration link to sign up for the event.
For more information on the event, please reach out to Jennifer Kirk at 520-308-2337 or Patty Valera 520-345-3533.
Veterans Hiring Event
 There will be a Veterans Hiring Event at the El Pueblo Activity Center located at 101 W. Irvington Rd. Tucson, AZ 85714 on April 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
There will be several employers represented at the event.
To register scan the QR Code or click on the Veterans Hiring Event registration link.
For more information or have questions email veterans@azdoa.gov.
VA Resource Navigator
Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?
Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
VA is here for you
1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number.
www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/
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